Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
A 42-inch uncapped allocation was approved for the 2026 irrigation season, qualifying it as a Groundwater Replenishment Program year. The season opens March 11 with a tentative close of October 23, subject to review. Snowpack sits at 54% of the April 1 average, with possible early tapering of inflows; a dry scenario could significantly draw down reservoir levels by season's end.
Public urged full $150M for Pure Water SoCal and flagged budget options that could reduce it. A calendar-year 2027–2028 rate hearing opened and closed with no staff presentation or figures. GM Deshmukh said Met submitted Colorado River draft EIS comments by the March 3 deadline and an interstate transfer info item will come in April.
Water supply looks about average, but run timing is uncertain due to below-normal snowpack. The district previously eliminated the 2026 transitional groundwater allocation to address subsidence, and ratified cost-sharing for two sub-basin subsidence efforts. Water rates and run timing were deferred until the next meeting when the full board is present. Full-year 2025 ET was ~249,000 AF (~7,000–7,500 below the 2021–2025 average).
The JPA Board tabled the model calibration authorization (estimated $525,000) to the April meeting after a split technical ad hoc discussion. SWRCB staff recommended returning the basin to DWR (Board action expected April 7). Staff reminded GSAs about PRP tracking/reporting and Mar–May seasonal high WL/WQ sampling; closed session was skipped.
Well-registration enforcement changes to the Rules and Regulations were approved, tying compliance to Tier 1/Tier 2 carryover and transfer eligibility and allowing potential penalties. Subsidence management areas are in development, with staff/consultant aiming to bring a draft to TAC and potentially the board in coming meetings. A voluntary surface-water credit retirement concept was discussed but not approved and will remain on the agenda.
